Rogue RM100F F-Style Mandolin review

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Review of Weber Mandolins Yellowstone A

Weber Mandolins Yellowstone A Body is now offered in a new finish color, honey with tortoise binding. The new color is a bright, golden hue that, along with the gloss lacquer finish, results in an appearance quite different from Breedlove's new honeyburst finish, which has a darker hue to it. The new honey Yellowstone A also comes with a tortoise binding along the top, back and headstock that complements the instrument's brightness. In addition. the model comes with a bright nickel Weber tailpiece that further adds to the mandolin's glow.

Built with sitka spruce top and curly maple back and sides, the Yellowstone A produces great string-to-string separation, along with a slightly warmer sound than what I would expect from this wood combination. The resonance is also a bit more than I expected, and this model could easily be used for bluegrass because it produces chops that almost sound like they are coming from an F body, although with a less "throaty" sound, and thus for hard-driving bluegrass this model might be a bit too smooth. However, the most noticeable aspect of this mandolin is its sustain. Notes are plucked and then hang around for a long time. Also, open chords come out incredibly well, indeed, I was able to strum this mandolin similar to the how I would strum a guitar and it produced a rich, warm sound with a mellow bass. 

Features of the Weber Yellowstone A include sitka spruce top, maple back and rim, tone bar bracing, gloss lacquer finish, Weber decal and Celtic knot featured on the headstock, radiused ebony fingerboard with a 14 inch scale, mother of pearl diamond inlay position markers, Grover tuners, dual action adjustable truss rod, Brekke traditional adjustable bridge, shaped Weber Mandolins hardshell case, and a limited lifetime warranty.

Breedlove Guitar Review - Model AJ250SM

I love jumbo guitars and I've owned several over the years, including a 1993 Guild FJ4-NT that I bought new. In 1997, I had a JLD bridge truss installed. Over the years, my Guild jumbo has developed a smooth mellow tone, with a deep, yet not loud, bass.

Breedlove's AJ250/SM reminds me of my Guild FJ4-NT. Indeed, the two both have solid spruce tops along with mahogany sides and backs. They both have JLD bridge trusses (standard for the Breedlove Jumbo, custom for my Guild) and are simply adorned - simple position markers on the neck, etc. The two also share a similar tone - smooth and mellow.

However, the Guild is more of a strumming guitar, with its larger body, large pickguard, and no cutaway, which makes getting to the upper fretboard difficult - it's a stretch to get beyond the 14th fret. When I play mine, I feel like plucking out Johnny Cash tunes and indeed, there are no shortages of times that I've played "Folsom Prison Blues" on it.

The Breedlove jumbo on the other hand is a fingerpicker or fingerstylist's guitar. It has a slightly shallower body and, also unlike the Guild, the Breedlove does not have a pickguard. It has a soft cutaway, which allows for easy access all the way up to the 18th fret. I have to reach a little to get to the 19th and 20th frets on the Breedlove, whereas with the Guild I have to bring my thumb out from behind the neck to reach that high.

The Breed love Guitars AJ250/SM has a balanced sound, with a deep yet quiet bass. Other notable features include Fishman Classic 4 electronics, Grover tuners and a satin finish.

Alison Krauss I Know Who Holds Tomorrow Gospel Music CD Review

Not sure what's happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better I Know Who Holds Tomorrow gets. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow simply stated is one of Alison Krauss's best CDs to date.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Alison Krauss's most impressive releases ever.

If you're even mildly into Gospel music you'll enjoy this CD. Overall I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 1 - Walk Over God's Heaven, track 2 - Will There Be Any Stars?, and track 7 - Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 11 - Loves Me Like A Rock. Great track!

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow Release Notes:

Alison Krauss originally released I Know Who Holds Tomorrow on February 4, 1994 on the Rounder Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Walk Over God's Heaven

2. Will There Be Any Stars?

3. Where No One Stands Alone

4. Never Will Give Up

5. Remind Me, Dear Lord

6. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

7. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven

8. I'd Rather Have Jesus

9. Far Side Bank Of Jordan

10. In The Palm Of Your Hand

11. Loves Me Like A Rock

12. Jewels

Alison Krauss & The Cox Family: Alison Krauss (vocals, fiddle, viola), Suzanne Cox, Evelyn Cox, Lynn Cox, Willard Cox, Sidney Cox (vocals).

Additional personnel: Ron Block (guitar, banjo), Rob Ickes (dobro), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Andrea Zonn (fiddle), Gary Smith (piano), Barry Bales (acoustic bass), Viktor Krauss (acoustic, electric & arco basses), Kenny Malone (drums, percussion).

Recorded at Nightingale Studio, Nashville, Tennessee.

Review of Breedlove Mandolin Quartz With Sunburst Finish

Breedlove Guitar Company makes incredible archtop mandolins in three different body styles - O, F, and Breedlove's unique F shape. Each model is available with either an oval soundhole and X bracing, or f-holes and tone bar bracing.

Among Breedlove's mandolin offerings is the Quartz OF model, which is a smooth, teardrop-shaped instrument with f holes and tone bar bracing, which results in increased projection. The satin sunburn finish is a deep, rich one that highlights, rather than covers up, the inherent beauty of the solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Breedlove's Quartz OF also lacks binding as well as many other appointments, thus providing it a straightforward appearance at a great value.

One of my favorite aspects of Breedlove mandolins is the generous string spacing provided. I have large fingers, and as a result, many mandolin necks are too narrow for me to play even halfway decently. Breedloves, on the other hand, neatly fit into my hand and I do not find myself awkwardly squeezing my hand together to try to get a chord in. The Quartz OF has a clean, pure sound to with the bell like ring associated with flamed maple.

Features include a single piece maple neck, solid sitka spruce top, solid western maple back/sides, tone bar bracing, f-holes, twenty frets, Tusq nut, saga tuners, radiused ebony fingerboard with pearl dot position markers, ebony headstock overlay, and a deluxe hardshell case that produces a snug fit so that your mandolin is secure and not moving around inside the case.

Shania Twain Come On Over Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Come On Over is the latest release from Contemporary Country Sensation Shania Twain, and is another great one from this talented musician.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Contemporary Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Shania Twain is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Contemporary Country music you'll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 5 - From This Moment On, track 10 - You're Still The One, and track 14 - I Won't Leave You Lonely

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 12 - That Don't Impress Me Much. Outstanding!

Come On Over Release Notes:

Shania Twain originally released Come On Over on November 4, 1997 on the Mercury Nashville label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Man! I Feel Like A Woman!

2. I'm Holdin' On To Love (To Save My Life)

3. Love Gets Me Every Time

4. Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)

5. From This Moment On - (with Bryan White)

6. Come On Over

7. When

8. Whatever You Do! Don't

9. If You Want To Touch Her, Ask!

10. You're Still The One

11. Honey, I'm Home

12. That Don't Impress Me Much

13. Black Eyes, Blue Tears

14. I Won't Leave You Lonely

15. Rock This Country!

16. You've Got A Way

Personnel: Shania Twain, Bryan White (vocals); Dann Huff (acoustic, electric & 12-string guitars, electric sitar, 6-string bass); Biff Watson (acoustic & electric guitars); Larry Byrom (slide guitar); Brent Mason (electric guitar); Eric Silver (mandolin); Bruce Bouton (pedal steel & lap steel guitars); John Hughey, Paul Franklin (pedal steel guitar); Larry Franklin, Rob Hajacos, Stuart Duncan, Joe Spivey, Glen Duncan, Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); Joey Miskulin (accordion); John Hobbs (piano, organ, Wurlitzer); Arthur Stead (piano, organ, synthesizer); Michael O'Martian, John Jarvis (piano); Joe Chemay (electric & fretless basses); Paul Leim (drums); Olle Romo (programming); Robert John "Mutt" Lange (background vocals).

Engineers include: Jeff Balding, Bob Bullock, Mike Carroll.

Alison Krauss So Long So Wrong Country Music CD Review

So Long So Wrong is the latest Country CD put out by the extremely talented Alison Krauss who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Alison Krauss fans, and Country fans alike will be pleased with this one.

This one grabs your attention right from the beginning with So Long, So Wrong and won't let go until the very last note of the very last song There Is A Reason, which by the way is another great track.

Alison Krauss possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with her talent alone. The kind of artist I frankly just flat out enjoy listening to.

Overall So Long So Wrong is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Country collection. Truly an outstanding Country CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 - So Long, So Wrong, track 9 - I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers, and track 14 - There Is A Reason

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 - Find My Way Back To My Heart. This is a great track!

So Long So Wrong Release Notes:

Alison Krauss originally released So Long So Wrong on March 25, 1997 on the Rounder Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. So Long, So Wrong

2. No Place To Hide

3. Deeper Than Crying

4. I Can Let Go Now

5. Road Is A Lover, The

6. Little Liza Jane

7. It Doesn't Matter

8. Find My Way Back To My Heart

9. I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers

10. Looking In The Eyes Of Love

11. Pain Of A Troubled Life

12. Happiness

13. Blue Trail Of Sorrow

14. There Is A Reason

Alison Krauss & Union Station: Alison Krauss (vocals, fiddle, viola); Dan Tyminski (vocals, guitar); Ron Block (vocals, guitar, National guitar, banjo); Barry Bales (vocals, electric & acoustic upright basses, arco bass); Adam Steffey (vocals, mandolin, mandola).

Chris LeDoux Cowboy Contemporary Country Music CD Review

I can describe the latest release from Contemporary Country sensation Chris LeDoux for you with just one word... Outstanding!

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Contemporary Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you're a Chris LeDoux fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don't even have to be a fan of LeDoux, or even Contemporary Country to know is good. It's just good music. Period.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1 - He Rides The Wild Horses, track 3 - Ten Seconds In The Saddle, and track 8 - A Cowboy's Got To Ride

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10 - Running Through The Rain. Good stuff!

Cowboy Release Notes:

Chris LeDoux originally released Cowboy on August 1, 2000 on the Capitol Nashville label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. He Rides The Wild Horses

2. Silence On The Line

3. Ten Seconds In The Saddle

4. Our First Year

5. I'm Country

6. Blue Eyes And Freckles

7. Hippies In Calgary

8. Cowboy's Got To Ride, A

9. Yellow Stud, The

10. Running Through The Rain

11. Song Of Wyoming

Personnel: Chris LeDoux (vocals); Richard Bennett (acoustic & electric guitars, 6-string bass); Mac McAnally (acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, background vocals); Jack Pearson (electric & National guitars); Doyle Grisham (steel guitar); Scooter Muse (banjo); Larry Franklin (mandolin, fiddle); Greg "Fingers" Taylor (harmonica); Jimmy Fadden (Jew's harp); Pete Wasner (piano, Wurlitzer piano); Steve Nathan (piano, Hammond B-3, keyboards); Harry Stinson (background vocals).

Tim Mcgraw Live Like You Were Dying Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Tim Mcgraw has released him most recent album entitled Live Like You Were Dying.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Contemporary Country isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

I give Live Like You Were Dying my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

While this entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1 - How Bad Do Your Want It, track 5 - Live Like You Were Dying, and track 14 - Do You Want Fries With That

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9 - Open Season On My Heart. It's a great track!

Live Like You Were Dying Release Notes:

Tim Mcgraw originally released Live Like You Were Dying on August 24, 2004 on the Curb Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. How Bad Do You Want It

2. My Old Friend

3. Can't Tell Me Nothin'

4. Old Town New

5. Live Like You Were Dying

6. Drugs Or Jesus

7. Back When

8. Something's Broken

9. Open Season On My Heart

10. Everybody Hates Me

11. Walk Like A Man

12. Blank Sheet Of Paper

13. Just Be Your Tear

14. Do You Want Fries With That

15. Kill Myself

16. We Carry On

Personnel: Tim McGraw (vocals); Darran Smith (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Bob MInner (acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin); Denny Hemingson (electric guitar, slide guitar, steel guitar, baritone guitar, dobro); Dean Brown (mandolin, fiddle); Jeff McMahon (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ, synthesizer); John Marcus (bass instrument); Billy Mason (drums); David Dunkley (percussion); Faith Hill, Brett Warren (background vocals).

Recording information: Allaire, Shokan, New York.

Bruce Springsteen Magic Rock Music CD Review

Magic is the latest Rock CD released by the richly talented Bruce Springsteen who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Bruce Springsteen fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn't a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Bruce Springsteen's most impressive releases ever.

Overall Magic is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Rock fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 1 - Radio Nowhere, track 6 - Girls In Their Summer Clothes, and track 11 - Devil's Arcade.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4 - Your Own Worst Enemy. It's a great track!

Magic Release Notes:

Bruce Springsteen originally released Magic on October 2, 2007 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Radio Nowhere

2. You'll Be Comin' Down

3. Livin' In the Future - (with Soozie Tyrell)

4. Your Own Worst Enemy - (with Daniel Laufer/Patrick Warren/Jay Christy/Lachlan McBane/Amy Chang)

5. Gypsy Biker

6. Girls In Their Summer Clothes - (with Daniel Laufer/Patrick Warren/Jay Christy/Lachlan McBane)

7. I'll Work For Your Love - (with Soozie Tyrell)

8. Magic - (with Soozie Tyrell/Patrick Warren/Jeremy Chatzky)

9. Last To Die - (with Soozie Tyrell)

10. Long Walk Home - (with Patrick Warren)

11. Devil's Arcade - (with Daniel Laufer/Patrick Warren)

12. Bonus Track 1

Personnel: Bruce Springsteen (vocals, guitars, harmonica, pump organ, synthesizer, glockenspiel, percussion, background vocals); Stevie Van Zandt (guitars, mandolin, background vocals); Nils Lofgren (guitars, background vocals); Clarence Clemons (saxophone, background vocals); Roy Bittan (piano, organ); Danny Federici (organ, keyboards); Garry Tallent (bass guitar); Max Weinberg (drums); Patti Scialfa (background vocals).

Additional personnel: William Pu, Jay Christy, Sheela Lyengar, Kenn Wagner, Justin Bruns, Olga Shpitko, Soozie Tyrell, John Meisner, Christopher Pulgram (violin); Amy Chang, Tania Maxwell Clements, Lachlan McBane (viola); Karen Freer, Charae Kruege, Daniel Laufer (cello); Patrick Warren (tack piano, chamberlin); Jeremy Chatzky (upright bass).

Lonestar Crazy Nights Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Lonestar released their most recent CD entitled Crazy Nights.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Lonestar most impressive releases ever.

Overall Crazy Nights is a solid release. Quite possibly Lonestar's best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you're even mildly into Contemporary country music you'll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 - Come Cryin' To Me, track 5 - John Doe On A John Deere, and track 11 - What Do We Do With The Rest Of The Night

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6 - You Walked In. This is a great track!

Crazy Nights Release Notes:

Lonestar originally released Crazy Nights on June 1, 2004 on the BMG Special Products label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Come Cryin' To Me

2. Everything's Changed

3. Cheater's Road

4. Week In Juarez, A

5. John Doe On A John Deere

6. You Walked In

7. Say When

8. Amie

9. Crazy Nights

10. Keys To My Heart

11. What Do We Do With The Rest Of The Night

Lonestar: John Rich (vocals, bass guitar); Richie McDonald (vocals); Michael Britt (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals); Dean Sams (piano, background vocals); Keech Rainwater (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Brent Mason (electric guitar, classical guitar); Bruce Bouton (lap steel guitar, pedal steel guitar, dobro); Larry Franklin, Rob Hajacos, Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Dennis Burnside (piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Duncan Mullins, Dave Hungate (bass guitar); Lonnie Wilson (drums, percussion); Tom Roady (percussion); Dennis Wilson, Harry Stinson, John Wesley-Ryles (background vocals).

Collin Raye - Counting Sheep - Country Music CD Review

Collin Raye has released him most recent album entitled Counting Sheep.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn't a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you're even mildly into Country music you'll enjoy this album. Overall Counting Sheep is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - I'm Gonna Love You, track 8 - Hearts Are For When You Want To Love Someone, and track 11 - Stay Awake

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Counting Sheep. It's a great track!

Counting Sheep Release Notes:

Collin Raye originally released Counting Sheep on January 25, 2000 on the Sony Wonder label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Counting Sheep 2. I'm Gonna Love You 3. Blackbird 4. Mother And Father's Prayer, A - (with Melissa Manchester) 5. When You Wish Upon A Star 6. Cool Cat 7. Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral (An Irish Lullaby) 8. Hearts Are For When You Want To Love Someone 9. Dream Song, The 10. When You Say Your Prayers 11. Stay Awake

Personnel: Collin Raye, Melissa Manchester (vocals); John Jorgenson (acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin, dulcimer, ukelele, clarinet, tin whictle); Tom Hemby, Dean Parks, Biff Watson (acoustic guitar); Steve Gibson (electric guitar, mandolin); John Hobbs (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Steve Nathan (piano, organ, keyboards, synthesizer); Jim Cox (organ, keyboards); Larry Paxton (acoustic bass); Joe Chemay (bass, background vocals); Lee Sklar (bass); Paul Leim, John Robinson (drums, percussion); Wes Hightower, Dennis Wilson, Liana Manis (background vocals).

Principally recorded at The Tracking Room & Emerald Sound Studios, Nashville, Tennessee; Sony Studios, Santa Monica, California. Includes liner notes by Collin Raye.

Heather Myles Highways And Honky Tonks Country Music CD Review

Highways And Honky Tonks is the latest release from Country Artist Heather Myles, and is another great one by this talented musician.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

Heather Myles possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with her talent alone. The kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

I give Highways And Honky Tonks my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - Kiss An Angel Good Morning, track 9 - Rock At The End Of My Rainbow, and track 12 - I'll Be There If You Ever Want Me

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - You're Gonna Love Me One Day. It's a great track!

Highways And Honky Tonks Release Notes:

Heather Myles originally released Highways And Honky Tonks on September 1, 1998 on the Rounder Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. You're Gonna Love Me One Day 2. Kiss An Angel Good Morning 3. You've Taken Me Places I Wish I've Never Been 4. Broken Heart For Sale 5. True Love 6. No One Is Gonna Love You Better - (with Merle Haggard) 7. Playin' Every Honky Tonk In Town 8. Mr. Lonesome 9. Rock At The End Of My Rainbow 10. Who Did You Call Darlin' 11. Love Me A Little Bit Longer 12. I'll Be There If You Ever Want Me

Highways And Honky Tonks Album Notes Personnel: Heather Myles (vocals, acoustic guitar); Merle Haggard (vocals); Bob Gothar (acoustic & electric guitars); Pete Anderson (guitar); Marty Rifkin (steel guitar, dobro, mandolin); Gary Brandin (steel guitar); Scott Joss (fiddle); Skip Edwards (piano, organ); Keith Rosier (acoustic bass); Taras Prodaniuk, Ray Kennedy (bass); Larry Mitchell (drums); Brantley Kearns, Irene McCullough, Kelly McGuire (background vocals).

Recorded at Mad Dog Studios, Burbank, California and The Bradley Barn, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Includes liner notes by Jon Weisberger.

Tori Amos Under The Pink Rock Music CD Review

Under The Pink is the latest Rock CD released by the richly talented Tori Amos who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Tori Amos fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one.

Tori Amos has been a heavy hitter in the Rock genre for quite a while now and Under The Pink is an excellent illustration as to why.

Tori Amos is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with her talent. The kind of artist it's really a treat to be able to listen to.

Listen and I think you'll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Tori Amos is clearly in top form.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 3 - Bells For Her, track 10 - Cloud On My Tongue, and track 12 - Yes, Anastasia

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Pretty Good Year. Great track!

Under The Pink Release Notes:

Tori Amos originally released Under The Pink on February 1, 1994 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Pretty Good Year

2. God

3. Bells For Her

4. Past The Mission

5. Baker Baker

6. Wrong Band, The

7. Waitress, The

8. Cornflake Girl

9. Icicle

10. Cloud On My Tongue

11. Space Dog

12. Yes, Anastasia

Personnel: Tori Amos (piano, vocals, organ); Trent Reznor, Merry Clayton (vocals); Steve Caton (guitar), Steve Clayton (guitar, mandolin); John Philip Shenale (organ, keyboards); George Porter Jr. (bass); Carlo Nuccio (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Eric Rosse, Paul McKenna (programming).

String personnel: Ezra Klinger, Nancy Roth, John Wittenberg, Francine Walsh, Michael Harrison, Chris Reutinger (violins), Jimbo Ross, Cynthia Morrow, John Acevedo (violas), Nancy Stein-Ross, Dane Little, Melissa Hasin (cellos), Dominique Genova (bass). Engineers: Paul McKenna, John Beverly Jones, Eric Rosse. Recorded at The Fishhouse, New Mexico and Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, California.

Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces Country Music CD Review

Wide Open Spaces is the latest release from Dixie Chicks, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD... AWESOME!

Wide Open Spaces opens with an outstanding track, I Can Love You Better, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It's a really nice track.

Wide Open Spaces has a nicely varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly outstanding musicians. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

Overall Wide Open Spaces is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Dixie Chicks's best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you're even mildly into Country music you'll enjoy this album.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 1 - I Can Love You Better, track 7 - Tonight The Hearthache's On Me, and track 12 - Give It Up Or Let Me Go.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is Track 11 - Am I The Only One. It's a great track!

Wide Open Spaces Release Notes:

Dixie Chicks originally released Wide Open Spaces on January 27, 1998 on the Monument Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. I Can Love You Better

2. Wide Open Spaces

3. Loving Arms

4. There's Your Trouble

5. You Were Mine

6. Never Say Die

7. Tonight The Heartache's On Me

8. Let 'Er Rip

9. Once You've Loved Somebody

10. I'll Take Care Of You

11. Am I The Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way)

12. Give It Up Or Let Me Go

Dixie Chicks: Natalie Maines (vocals); Emily Erwin (vocals, dobro, banjo, acoustic guitar); Martie Seidel (vocals, fiddle, mandolin).

Additional personnel: Billy Joe Walker, Jr., Paul Worley (acoustic & electric guitars); Mark Casstevens, Billy Crain (acoustic guitar); George Marinelli, Tommy Nash (electric guitar); Lloyd Maines, Tony Paoletta (steel guitar); Matt Rollings (Hammond B-3 organ, piano); Bobby Charles, Jr., Michael Rhodes (bass); Greg Morrow (drums); Tom Roady (congas, shaker, tambourine).

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

John Fogerty Deja Vu All Over Again Rock Music CD Review

John Fogerty, the richly talented Rock artist has released him latest CD titled Deja Vu All Over Again and Wow! It's really a good one.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of John Fogerty's most impressive releases ever.

I'm of the opinion that Deja Vu All Over Again is certainly John Fogerty's best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it's a collection that even the casual Rock fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 - Sugar-Sugar, track 6 - I Will Walk With You, and track 10 - In The Garden.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Deja Vu. Outstanding!

Deja Vu All Over Again Release Notes:

John Fogerty originally released Deja Vu All Over Again on September 21, 2004 on the Geffen Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Deja Vu (All Over Again)

2. Sugar-Sugar (In My Life)

3. She's Got Baggage

4. Radar

5. Honey Do

6. Nobody's Here Anymore

7. I Will Walk With You

8. Rhubarb Pie

9. Wicked Old Witch

10. In The Garden

Personnel: John Fogerty (vocals, guitar, organ, bass guitar, percussion); Bob Britt (electric slide guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Bob Applebaum (mandolin); Benmont Tench (organ); David Santos, Paul Bushnell, Viktor Krauss (bass guitar); Kenny Aronoff (drums); Alex Acuna (percussion).

Recording information: NRG Recording Services, North Hollywood, California.

Rodney Crowell Houston Kid Country Music CD Review

I can describe the latest release from Country sensation Rodney Crowell for you with just one word... Outstanding!

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn't a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Country isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to Houston Kid and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Rodney Crowell is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Country music you'll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 - The Rock Of My Soul, track 5 - Wandering Boy, and track 11 - I Know Love Is All I Need.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9 - Banks Of The Old Bandera. Great track!

Houston Kid Release Notes:

Rodney Crowell originally released Houston Kid on February 13, 12001 on the Sugar Hill Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Telephone Road

2. Rock Of My Soul, The

3. Why Don't We Talk About It

4. I Wish It Would Rain

5. Wandering Boy

6. I Walk The Line (Revisted) - (featuring Johnny Cash)

7. Highway 17

8. U Don't Know How Much I Hate U

9. Banks Of The Old Bandera

10. Topsy Turvy

11. I Know Love Is All I Need

Personnel includes: Rodney Crowell (vocals, acoustic & electric guitar, percussion); Pat Buchanan (vocals, acoustic & electric guitar); Johnny Cash, John Cowan (vocals); Steuart Smith (electric guitar, mandolin, autoharp, harmonium, harmonica); Robbie Turner (steel guitar, dobro); Benmont Tench (electric piano); John Hobbs (organ); Michael Rhodes (bass); Paul Leim (drums, percussion); Greg Morrow (drums).

Engineers: Peter Coleman, JIm Dineen, Donivan Cowart.

Recorded at Treasure Isle, Berry Hill, Tennessee; The Sound Kitchen, Franklin, Tennessee; The Tree House, Forest Hills, Tennessee; Deepfield, West Nashville, Tennessee.

Chris LeDoux Horsepower Contemporary Country Music CD Review

Horsepower is the latest release from Contemporary Country Artist Chris LeDoux, and I can only think of one word to describe it... AWESOME!

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Chris LeDoux's most impressive releases ever.

Overall Horsepower is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Contemporary Country collection. Truly an outstanding Contemporary Country CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 4 - A Cowboy Was Born, track 7 - Feels Like I'm Gettin' Into Something Good, and track 10 - Between The Rainbows And The Rain.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5 - Smack Dab In The Middle. Wow!

Horsepower Release Notes:

Chris LeDoux originally released Horsepower on July 22, 2003 on the Capitol / EMI Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Horsepower

2. One Less Tornado

3. All Wound Up

4. Cowboy Was Born, A

5. Smack Dab In The Middle

6. Buffalo Grass, The

7. Feels Like I'm Gettin' Into Something Good

8. Ride, The

9. Rodeo Moon

10. Between The Rainbows And The Rain

11. Pass My Hat

12. Blue Bonnet Blues

Personnel: Chris LeDoux (vocals); Mac McAnally (acoustic & electric guitar, mandolin, accordion, Hammond B-3 organ); background vocals); Jack Pearson, Brent Rowan, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Larry Franklin (fiddle); Mark Holland (wood flute); John Jarvis (keyboards); Mickey Bukins (percussion); Jo-El Sonnier (squeezebox); Wes Hightower (background vocals).

Recorded at Treasure Isle, 17 Grand, and Dan Williams Music, Nashville, Tennessee; La La Land, Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Counting Crows August And Everything After Rock Music CD Review

The extremely talented group Counting Crows have released their most recent CD on the Geffen Records recording label, entitled August And Everything After.

Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with August And Everything After. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs. This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it two thumbs up. It's quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Rock fan.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 4 - Perfect Blue Buildings, track 6 - Time And Time Again, and track 11 - A Murder Of One.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Round Here. Wow!

August And Everything After Release Notes:

Counting Crows originally released August And Everything After on September 14, 1993 on the Geffen Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Round Here

2. Omaha

3. Mr. Jones

4. Perfect Blue Buildings

5. Anna Begins

6. Time And Time Again

7. Rain King

8. Sullivan Street

9. Ghost Train

10. Raining In Baltimore

11. Murder Of One, A

Counting Crows: Matt Malley (vocals, guitar, bass); David Bryson (vocals, guitar); Charlie Gillingham (vocals, accordion, piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Chamberlain); Adam Duritz (vocals, piano, harmonica); Steve Bowman (vocals, drums).

Additional personnel: David Immergluck (vocals, guitar, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, mandocello); Bill Dillon (guitar, guitorgan); T-Bone Burnett (guitar); Denny Fongheiser (drums, percussions); Maria McKee, Gary Louris, Mark Olson (background vocals).

A Review of the Revival Acoustics RG-33 Acoustic Guitar

Somewhere between the sound of a dreadnought and an OM stands this unique instrument! The Revival Acoustics RG-33 is perhaps a step in a different direction for what they consider a OOO acoustic guitar to be, it has a unique body shape, not being as long (in the upper bout) or as lean as a traditional OOO body style guitar. The RG-33 is built with an all solid Sitka spruce top, but here is where it gets interesting the back and sides are made from solid walnut; which along with the non traditional body shape really give this guitar it's unique sound!

The thickness/depth of the walnut sides on this guitar really help provide more low end response that is well balanced and not muddy by any means! The solid walnut back and sides produce a clarity of tone that (to my ears) has a bell like clarity to it and also has a nice woody flavor to it. Take note that the sides of this guitar do protrude out more like a dreadnought sized acoustic guitar (so that the sound will too), but also keep in mind that this could be a factor if your accustomed to sitting down and cradling a traditionally built OOO style acoustic guitar (with it's thinner sides)!

This is a really versatile guitar, which can be used for a wide variety of styles weather you want to sit or stand, play finger style tunes or flat pick on it; the RG-33 will take whatever you throw at it and reproduce something pleasing to your ears!

A very nice singer-song writer guitar, the RG-33 has a mahogany neck has a nice thin smooth satin finish and a grained ivoroid bound rosewood fingerboard with shell dot position markers and a unique thin block inlay at the 12th fret, the bridge is larger than what Revival uses on their OM models, it's the size used on Revival's dreadnought size guitars, but it's made from ebony not rosewood.

This guitar has a high gloss finish and is fully bound with grained ivoriod binding top, back and sides; which to me always provides a really nice contrast between the darker selected solid woods! The headstock features a nice thick rosewood overlay (not a thin laminate) upon which the Revival name is inscribed in abalone inlay, the guitar also comes with the larger Grover Romatic tuners (which I prefer) where Revival's OM models have the mini Grover Romatic tuners.

This guitar can provide any player with plenty of volume and punch, it has a really nice open sound and a unique clarity of tone all it's own,the Sitka spruce top is adorned with an abalone rosette (as are most of Revivals all solid wood instruments) and along with the walnut back and sides it produces a sound that is difficult to describe, however I would have to place it in between rosewood and mahogany (in the tone department) because it shares similar traits of both these different tone woods. Walnut is some what uncommonly used on guitars and for the back and sides of mandolins, prized for it's clarity of tone, it is a beautiful looking wood that is also appreciated selected for fine furniture making (table tops, desks etc.)

If your looking to break some of the barriers of a traditionally built OOO size guitar, the Revival RG-33 offers you the chance to change your flavor and re-shape your sound and perhaps broaden your musical horizons as well; Once again with this unique model, Revival Acoustics has given us a lot of guitar which produces great sound for the money!